Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Chandimal was transported to the hospital after hurting his neck and shoulder while fielding on the boundary during the first Test match against India in Galle on Tuesday. He was taken to the hospital for precautionary X-rays to rule out any underlying injuries. In the fourth over of India's second innings, Chandimal sprinted from deep midwicket to deep square leg before diving to stop KL Rahul's shot. Despite saving two runs, he fell on his shoulder, causing his neck and shoulder to twist beneath him.
As his teammates, physiotherapist, and team doctor approached to check on him, the Sri Lankan batter stayed down past the boundary. He appeared to be in pain around his shoulder and was observed clutching his head and neck at several points. In the end, Chandimal was able to stand up. Despite his careful gait, he headed into the changing room. Pasindu Sooriyabandara took his place as Sri Lanka's substitute fielder after he was unable to continue fielding.
The extent of Chandimal's injuries will become more apparent after the MRI. Sri Lanka may try to replace him with a concussion substitute for the rest of the Test if it shows a significant issue with his neck. The team's backup top-order batsman, Sooriyabandara, is currently the favourite. In the meantime, Chandimal had not contributed much with the bat during Sri Lanka's opening innings. As the hosts gave India a 178-run lead, he managed just four runs.
Sri Lanka will likely replace Chandimal with a concussion substitute for the rest of the IND vs SL Test if X-rays show a serious neck injury. The team's backup top-order batter is Sooriyabandara, who took his spot on the pitch. If this happens, Sooriyabandara will get to make his surprise debut
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